Senior Mechanical Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer for a significant project at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. This role involves leading mechanical design efforts for state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring the highest standards of engineering and compliance with federal guidelines. Candidates should possess extensive experience in commercial mechanical engineering, strong project management skills, and a commitment to excellence in service delivery.

Qualifications

• 10 years in mechanical system design for commercial/institutional buildings.
• Experience leading projects and working with federal contracts.
• Professional engineering license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and technical review of mechanical systems including HVAC and plumbing.
• Participate in design meetings and coordinate with agency officials.
• Produce contract packages and manage projects from design to completion.

Skills

HVAC design

Mechanical system design

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Trane Trace

Carrier HAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR is a Top 10 Architectural & Engineering (A&E) firm in the United States as ranked by Engineering News Record and is also one of the largest employee-owned A&E companies in the United States. HDR has been selected to run the Installation Engineering and Installation Management functions of the Civil Engineer Squadron for the United Stated Air Force Academy (USAFA). As such, we will be placing a multi-disciplinary A&E team of 50+ professionals at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The contract is expected to begin in early 2026 and covers an eight-year period from 2026 through 2034. The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the premier universities in our country and is one of the most widely visited locations in all of Colorado. The Air Force Academy has a rich history and a unique mission to educate and train future Air Force leaders. HDR is honored to be selected for these components of the of the Base Maintenance Contract (BMC) in conjunction with Tessera, who will be running and leading the master contract with the Air Force. HDR will be performing wide-ranging facility management services to include but not limited to: planning, programming, design, asset management, construction inspection, energy management, real estate, environmental, cultural resources, space planning, CAD, GIS, cost estimating, and numerous other functions.

Ideal candidates will have knowledge and/or experience with federal contracts and/or the Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron. They will also have a strong enthusiasm to ensure the cadets and future Air Force Leaders live and learn in state of the art facilities and have the necessary resources to serve our country to the best of their abilities.

This position is full time and located on-site at the USAFA. The expected start date is March 1, 2026.

In the role of Senior Mechanical Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Be the subject matter expert for mechanical engineering; responsibilities include the design and technical review of mechanical systems including, but not limited to: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Controls; Plumbing; Fire Suppression; Natural Gas Distribution; Compression Air, and Material Handling / Specialty Equipment such as cranes, elevators, and diesel prime movers for power generation.
• Perform HVAC designs for projects such as single or multi-storied barracks; academic complexes; aircraft flight control or simulation facilities; administrative, dining and multi-purpose centers; medical complexes; schools, child development centers; chapels; industrial, manufacturing, and special process facilities; warehouse and storage buildings; machine shops; vehicle, weapons, and fuel cell repair shops; recreation and resource operations buildings; commissaries; refrigeration and cold storage buildings; aircraft corrosion control and paint stripping facilities.
• Participate in design and production meetings with regard to electrical systems
• Assume the electrical lead on many projects
• Interact with other agency designers, project managers and top agency officials to resolve conflicts in criteria, develop design and contracting strategies which results in advertising, contract award and construction and/or renovation of mission essential facilities.
• Produce complete contract packages including, but not limited to independent government estimates, drawings and specifications; manage projects from the design phase through completion of construction/renovation
• In conjunction with construction management section, assist in coordinating all phases of engineering, construction, and inspection; resolving field problems through interpretation of contract documents and amendments; reviewing and approving shop drawings; approving invoices for payment; recommending actions to be taken to maintain projects on schedule and within budget.
• Analyze mechanical system design calculations/procedures
• Perform Life Cycle Cost Analysis to select the most cost effective building envelop and mechanical systems
• Review designs completed internally or by a third party A/E firm
• Calculate HVAC building loads using Trane Trace, Carrier HAP, or other building loads calculation programs designed for HVAC and energy simulation
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron experience preferred
• Ability to work in person and on site at United States Air Force Academy
• Ability to pass a background check
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, AutoCAD and other civil engineering software as appropriate
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Experience with HVAC building load software like Trane Trace, Carrier HAP, or other building loads calculation programs designed for HVAC and energy simulation
• LEED AP certification
• At least seven (7) yrs. Commercial (non-residential) project experience as a professional mechanical engineer including at least five (5) years’ experience in a project lead role, and at least two (2) years of public/governmental organization experience.
• Completion of AFIT training courses: *WENG 400, *WENG 519, *WMGT 322, *WMGT 422, *WTSS 200
• Due to client contract requirements, US Citizenship-US Naturalized citizen is required
• This position is subject to a governmental background check

#LI-MV3

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• A minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings

Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Project and AutoCAD
• Demonstrated leadership skills, previous team coordination and project management experience
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass : EOC SR and M Construction

Job Posting

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.